Horizontal Plate Filter Synchronization via Single Motor Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Horizontal plate pressure filters face challenges in achieving even movement and level orientation of head and filter plates, leading to potential jamming and damage due to uneven load distribution and synchronization issues with hydraulic actuators.

Innovation Solution

A horizontal plate pressure filter design utilizing a single electric motor mechanically coupled to multiple positions of an opening mechanism ensures synchronized and level movement of the head plate, eliminating uneven movement and unlevel orientation by using an electric motor with a gearbox and pulley arrangement to transmit opening and closing movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hydraulic actuators are used for opening and closing filter chambers, then good force-weight ratio and position control are achieved, but synchronization of multiple actuators becomes difficult and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition controlVSAvoidsynchronization control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple actuation points into a single mechanical linkage system driven by one electric motor. The linkage mechanism (comprising levers, connecting rods, or belt-pulley systems) distributes the motion from a single motor to multiple filter plates, ensuring they open and close simultaneously without requiring complex synchronization control for each actuator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mechanical linkage system as an intermediary between the electric motor and the filter plates. This linkage mechanism translates the rotational motion of a single motor into coordinated linear motion at multiple points, acting as a mediator that ensures synchronized movement without requiring direct control of each actuator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple hydraulic actuators are used for opening and closing, then even load distribution is achieved, but uneven movement and unlevel orientation cause jamming and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeven load distributionVSAvoidjamming and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple actuation functions into a single motor-driven linkage system. This ensures that all filter plates receive identical motion commands simultaneously, preventing uneven movement and unlevel orientation that would otherwise cause jamming or damage to the mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the motion transmission path into multiple identical linkage branches, each connecting the central motor to a different filter plate. This segmentation ensures that each plate receives the same motion input, maintaining even load distribution and preventing harmful uneven movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate actuators are used for opening/closing and sealing, then each function is optimized, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidactuator sets
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the single electric motor-driven linkage system perform multiple functions: it simultaneously provides the opening motion, closing motion, and positioning for sealing. The same mechanical linkage that moves the plates apart for opening also controls their return for closing and ensures proper alignment for sealing, eliminating the need for separate actuator sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of opening actuators, closing actuators, and positioning mechanisms into a single integrated motor-linkage system. This merging reduces the total number of actuators while maintaining the ability to perform all required functions through coordinated motion of the linkage mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution ensures even and level movement of the head and filter plates, minimizing the risk of jamming and damage, while providing precise control and flexible operation, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of the filtration process.

Implementation Method 1

an opening actuator arrangement (5) comprising an electric motor (5a) that produces the opening movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The head plate (3) is coupled to the opening mechanism (6) at a plurality of distinct positions... a single electric motor is used to lift and lower a head plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through gear reduction: Gear

Implementation Method 3

utilizing a single electric motor mechanically coupled to multiple positions of an opening mechanism ensures synchronized and level movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension force transmission: Pulley

Data Source

PatentEP3934784B1Horizontal plate pressure filter
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 METSO OUTOTEC FINLAND OY
  • EP3934784B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3934784B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3934784B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a horizontal plate pressure filter (1), comprising a plurality of superimposed filter plates (2) for forming filter chambers between at least two adjacent filter plates An opening actuator arrangement (5) provides an opening movement and a closing movement, and an opening mechanism (6) is coupled to the opening actuator arrangement (5) and is configured to mechanically transmit the opening movement and the closing movement. Particularly, the opening mechanism (6) extends vertically at a plurality of distinct positions, (4), and the opening actuator (5) arrangement comprises an electric motor (5a) mechanically operationally coupled to the opening mechanism (6), at a plurality of distinct positions thereof.